Hello, my friends and fellow word-crafters, I’m taking a short break from writing posts on craft to celebrate the season of Christmas and offer you a bit of encouragement.
As writers, we are in the business of storytelling—crafting worlds, creating characters, and weaving plots that resonate with readers. Or, if we’re nonfiction writers, putting together words that offer help, advice, and hope for others. (Fiction can do this too.) But at Christmas, we are reminded of the most profound story ever written: the story of a baby boy born in a manger, sent to save the world. A story of hope, love, redemption, and the conquering of death forever.
The story starts with a young girl willing to be used by the Almighty and flows into a humble stable in Bethlehem where a baby was born. Simple, right? Yet with a message so powerful it has echoed right up to this present day. For those of us who follow Jesus, His birth marked the beginning of the ultimate redemption arc, culminating in a sacrificial act that changed the course of history.
Every great story contains a few essential elements: a compelling protagonist, an insurmountable obstacle, and a transformative journey. In the Christmas story, we find all of these. The protagonist is Jesus, born in a humble stable. The obstacle is humanity’s brokenness and sin (not to mention a murderous King Herod). And the journey, from a manger to the cross, is one of the ultimate sacrificial acts of love.
For writers, this story is an inspiration, reminding us that even the smallest beginnings can have the most profound impact on the world and that our words matter. They’re important. They’re needed.
Storytelling has long been connected to Christmas celebrations. One of the most well-known traditions is the Nativity play, which dates back to the 13th century. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with the first live Nativity scene in 1223, bringing the story of Christ’s birth to life. Fast forward to the Victorian era; and we find Charles Dickens, whose A Christmas Carol continues to touch hearts. Dickens used his gift of storytelling to shine a light on social issues, blending his faith and creativity to inspire hope and charity.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the gift of words. Just as the angel proclaimed “good tidings of great joy,” writers today have the opportunity to use their words to spread hope and truth. Whether through novels, devotionals, or even social-media posts, our pens can point others to the joy and peace found in the Savior.
Christmas is a season of light breaking through darkness, of promises fulfilled, and of the ultimate Author writing Himself into His creation. As writers, we carry a unique opportunity to reflect that light through our own work, asking ourselves questions like:
- How can I infuse my stories with themes of hope and redemption?
- How can I use my words to uplift others during this season?
- How can I let others see Jesus in the words on my page?
So, remembering that the greatest story ever told began in the most unexpected of places—a stable in Bethlehem—I pray that we write with confidence, with a boldness that comes from knowing we’re vessels to help spread light in a dark world.
Merry Christmas, and happy writing! May your words this season reflect the love and joy of the Savior born to save the world.
When I’m feeling Christmasy,
I count up every light
that’s shining on the Christmas tree
while heart sings ‘Silent Night’,
but then I end up wondering
’bout that plump Norwegian man
who’s one of them of whom we sing,
and I don’t understand
quite how he wandered to the stable
to stand with family so holy,
but I guess that every fable
needs a smiling roly-poly
foil to show the Hero’s grace,
and that is Round Jan Virgin’s place.
Thank you, Lynette. I hope many see this post because it does take confidence to write what God has placed on our hearts. Confidence helps us answer his call. I’ve been told that over 40% of writers don’t follow through with sending their writing/proposals for review.
Even as Jesus himself began his journey as a baby, writers must find the strength to take the first few steps and put their writing out there. I can only imagine all the wonderful stories yet to be told. Books are important companions on the journey.
But back to the most profound story ever to happen…
Blessings to you this Christmas and in 2025!
Lynette,
Thank you for this post and your other blogs on craft.
Beyond blessed,
Sherilyn Faith
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Lynette,
Thank you for sparking thoughts on the Christmas story as story! I love that the “once upon a time” of the story starts in John with “In the beginning.” An echo of the backstory “In the beginning” of Genesis.
I got to thinking about faith-filled Jews at the time of Jesus’s walk on earth. Those who had been studying and praying and waiting for the promised Messiah and recognized that He had come. I can’t imagine a better Christmas morning than the realization that “Chri-ist the Savior is born.”
Thank you again for bringing this topic into focus in these last days of Advent 2024.
Merry Christmas! What a wonderful Lord we serve!
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